Monrovia is a film-friendly city! 

Over the past 25 years, Monrovia has played host and backdrop to some of the most recognizable films, commercials, music videos and photos shoots. 

With so many locations to choose from, Monrovia is a great place to find that All-American look the camera loves.

The City of Monrovia processes film permits internally. You can find the requirements for filming in Monrovia listed below and summarized in the downloadable guide.

• The process guide and a full list of filming requirement can be downloaded here. 
• Download the Film Permit Application 

Completed applications can be emailed to hgibson@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

If you have further questions, please contact Heather Gibson at (626) 303-6609 or send her an email.

Film Permits 

A film permit is required for filming motion pictures, television shows, commercials, video tapes and for shooting commercial photography. Charitable and student films must obtain a permit and reimburse the City for the cost of personnel and equipment, but are exempt from permit fees. 

Filming Hours

• Regular Filming Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. in residential and commercial areas
• Extended Hours: 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Filming Fees

• Base Fee: $903.00
  • Effective July 15, 2024, the new base fee will be $903 for the first day, and $602 for each day after.
• Old Town Business Improvement District Fee: $1,810 / day  
• Historic Preservation Fee: $78
  • This fee is applicable for filming in Old Town Business Improvement District.

Please refer to film guidelines for a full list of fees.

Applications

The City of Monrovia requires five full business days to process a permit request. However, as most productions will be required to obtain surveys, more time should be allowed especially for filming in the Old Town area where extensive merchant outreach will need to occur. Please note that filming in Old Town, City Facilities, and Parks will require seven full business days to process.

A detailed description of filming activities for each location is required, including: (1) date and times; (2) number of personnel and vehicles; (3) any proposed use of animals, pyrotechnics or special effects; (4) traffic control required; (5) camera and equipment placement; (6) a parking plan showing equipment and vehicle parking and locations of crew parking (note that crew parking should be off-street); (7) proposed location of No Parking signs;(8) pre-filming activities, including building construction, set dressings, etc. with number of personnel and vehicles involved and any parking or traffic control requirements.

Old Town Film guidelines must be followed for filming activity in the downtown area.

Filming in Old Town

The area located between the south side of Foothill Boulevard and the north side of Olive Avenue, and between the east side of Primrose Avenue and the west side of Ivy Avenue is known as the Monrovia Downtown Business Improvement District or “Old Town Monrovia”. The District is governed by AB 1696 in cooperation with the City of Monrovia. This area is declared a “sensitive area” in that:

• Customer and merchant parking is extremely limited;
• Myrtle Avenue is used as the main thoroughfare into and out of the City via the 210 Freeway; and 
• Merchants have had a frequent number of film activities in this area and some have had unpleasant past experiences with production companies. 

Please refer to film guidelines for a full list of Old Town requirements and fees.

Signatures

Letters of permission or surveys detailing the proposed filming activities - including times, dates, filming activity, parking, traffic control, etc. - must be obtained from neighboring residents and/or businesses who might be affected by the proposed activities. This must be done prior to issuance of the permit.

Also note that neighbors adjacent to crew parking lots must be notified of proposed parking activities, including dates and times.

• Filming Notification Template
• Filming Survey Template

Please refer to film guidelines for survey and notification area requirements. 

Film Permit

A film permit will be issued once it is determined that the proposed activities will not unduly disrupt neighboring residents and/or businesses, certificate of insurance is on file and permit fees paid. Conditions may be attached to a permit to ensure a minimum of danger to the health and safety of persons, disruption of neighboring residents and/or businesses and traffic congestion.

Insurance

A Certificate of Insurance is required in an amount of not less than $1 million on which the City of Monrovia is designated as additional insured.  Proof of Worker's Compensation is also required.

Traffic Control

A traffic control plan for vehicle/pedestrian flow is required with your application, if the following conditions are met:

• Filming will necessitate intermittent traffic control,
• Filming has any impact on the flow of traffic, or
• If deemed necessary by the Monrovia Police Department.

Intermittent Traffic Control is allowed on most roadways, but it is limited to two minutes at a time. Any interval longer than two minutes will be considered a street closure. 

Production companies are required to use Monrovia Police Officers for any filming that requires Intermittent Traffic Control.

Please note that additional conditions apply to Old Town Monrovia.

Gunfire / Special Effects / Pyrotechnics

Fire and/or Police personnel will be required for any gunfire or special effects such as an explosion. A special fire permit may be required and must be obtained directly by the production company from the Monrovia Fire Department.

City Parks and Facilities

Interested in renting out one of our facilities or reserving space in our parks? Browse our Facility Rentals and Parks pages!

Submission and/or approval of a filming permit does not guarantee the availability of City Park Rentals or Facilities (i.e., Canyon Park Cabin). Film Production Companies are responsible for checking on rental availability separately from applying for a Film Permit.

If the facility is available on the requested date, a Facility Use Agreement must be completed and submitted to the Community Services Department.

City Park Rentals also require a Facilities Use Agreement submitted and approved separately through Christopher Escobedo, Recreation Coordinator, cescobedo@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Separate fees will apply based on the rental agreement. Filming activity that impedes on resident or public use of parks/facilities may be prohibited, and/or could result in additional fees to mitigate impact.

Parking

When a No Parking request has been approved on a permit, the posting of No Parking signs is the responsibility of the production company. Applicants must post signs 72 hours prior to filming. Dates and times shall be printed on signs.

Film Permit

A film permit will be issued once it is determined that the proposed activities will not unduly disrupt neighboring residents and/or businesses, certificate of insurance is on file, and permit fees paid. Conditions may be attached to a permit to ensure a minimum of danger to the health and safety of persons, disruption of neighboring residents and/or businesses and traffic congestion.